Survivor-led · Established 2010 · South Africa
Life After Stroke Starts Here.
Surviving a stroke is only the beginning. We provide a national post-discharge support network so that stroke survivors, families, and caregivers can navigate recovery with dignity, connection, and confidence.
Know the Signs - Every Minute Matters
Recognising a stroke can save a life
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability. Acting fast improves survival and recovery.
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Welcome to the Foundation
Sustaining recovery beyond hospital walls
The Stroke Survivors Foundation (SSF) is a South African registered Non-profit Organisation (NPO), Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), and Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD), established in 2010. Founded by stroke survivors, SSF is grounded in lived experience and a clear understanding of an unmet systemic need: surviving a stroke is only the beginning.
While hospitals play a vital role in saving lives, the most complex phase of stroke begins after discharge. SSF exists to address this missing link in stroke care - delivering scalable, survivor-centred, non-medical post-discharge support that improves quality of life, reduces isolation, and strengthens caregiver capacity.
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To provide a national post-discharge support network that enables stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers to navigate recovery with dignity, connection, and confidence.
Our Vision
A South Africa where every stroke survivor and caregiver has access to empowerment, understanding, and non-medical peer support throughout the recovery journey.
Core Programmes & Services
SSF delivers survivor-centred, non-medical support aligned with the Global Stroke Bill of Rights, addressing the real-world challenges of life after stroke.
Support Groups
The foundation of our work - safe spaces to share experiences, rebuild confidence, and learn from one another.
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Caregiver Support
Education, emotional support, and peer connection recognising the strain carers often carry.
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Post-Discharge Stroke Support
PDSS, our flagship programme, connects survivors, caregivers, and professionals after discharge.
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Digital Support Platforms
Tools that enable virtual peer support and connect individuals across geographic boundaries.
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Awareness & Education
Public campaigns, workshops, and stakeholder engagement to challenge myths and promote inclusion.
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Strokefocus App
A mobile platform, developed with US partners, that extends support beyond physical limitations.
Visit Strokefocus
PDSS Recovery Pathway
An integrated, people-centred recovery model
The SSF's latest PDSS Recovery Pathway is an integrated, people-centred model that connects acute stroke care, discharge planning, patient engagement, digital support, and community-based recovery services.
Through Str-Okey Ambassadors, patients are actively guided into recovery pathways, ensuring continuity of care and long-term recovery support.
Register on the PDSS Platform
Digital support without boundaries
Join SSF's Post-Discharge Stroke Support (PDSS) community and connect with stroke survivors, caregivers, every known support group in SA, and rehabilitation facilities and health professionals.
- A connected community of survivors, caregivers and professionals
- Access to educational resources and recovery tools
- Peer-to-peer engagement and shared experiences
Recognition
Award Recognition - 2024
The Stroke Survivors Foundation was honoured at the Gauteng Disability Rights Excellence Awards, receiving the Bronze Award for Disability Rights Best Practice, in recognition of its commitment to uplifting stroke survivors across South Africa.
Bronze Award - Disability Rights Best Practice
Our Affiliations & Leadership
Working at local, regional & global levels
SSF leadership has served on the World Stroke Organization board, co-founded initiatives within African stroke organisations, and holds an Executive Committee (Exco) seat with the South African Disability Alliance - ensuring survivor voices are represented in policy, advocacy, and systems-level change.
From Our Blog
Stories & insight for life after stroke
Stages of Grief
Life Post Stroke - Stages of Grief
George Scola explores what has happened, coming to terms with a stroke, and the emotional journey survivors and carers travel.
Coming soon
Managing post-stroke fatigue
We are currently working on this article. Check back soon for practical guidance on pacing and energy.
Coming soon
Returning to work after stroke
We are currently developing this content. More survivor-led insight is on the way.
Support our work
Stroke recovery is long-term. Your support helps ensure that no survivor or caregiver walks this journey alone.
A survivor-led South African NPO providing post-discharge stroke support: community-based peer support, caregiver education, and digital platforms that expand access beyond geography.